The Rolex Oyster Precision and Oysterdate Precision

The Rolex Oyster Precision was created in the 1930s and is held today in high esteem amongst vintage watch collectors. Those who wear the Oyster Precision are paying homage to a distinguished era of watchmaking. It wasn’t until the latter part of the 20th century that the larger timepieces, like many contemporary watches of today, came into fashion. The Rolex Oyster Precision is a member of the Rolex Oyster family, and as such bares the Oyster’s legendary qualities. The original Oyster worked itself into the history books time and time again throughout the mid-1900s. The Oyster watch was the first waterproof watch in the world, in addition to finding itself on the wrists of many boundary defying dare devils, such as race car driver Malcolm Campbell when he set the land speed record in 1935.

The Adored Rolex Oysterdate Precision

Some 40 years after creating the Oyster Precision, Rolex designed its little brother - The Rolex Oysterdate Precision. The Oysterdate is essentially the same timepiece, but with an added date function. The date on the Oysterdate appears behind a magnifying glass, which although now industry standard, was originally a Rolex conception. Both wrist watches are enclosed in a thin case with a diameter of 34mm. Unlike most watches in the Rolex family, the Rolex Oyster Precision and the Rolex Oysterdate Precision require a manual wind to function. This means, that with the absence of the self-winding 2235 movement found in most models today, the watches possess a slender feel – one of the qualities that make these timepieces so popular. The dials are hidden behind thick Plexiglas and, like all watches bearing the ‘Oyster’ name, they are waterproof.

The inner workings of both watches are similar to that of the Rolex Datejust, as they also bear a Caliber 1225 movement. The Rolex Oysterdate and the Oyster Precision are among the most iconic vintage watches in the Rolex family, and are considered to be collector’s items. The understated feel they hold has made them hugely popular timepieces amongst those with a subtle taste. The bracelets on both watches are 19ml, small for today’s standards but classic in vintage terms. The Oysterdate Precision enjoyed the height of its popularity in the 1970s and 80s, and like its little brother, it is absent in the contemporary Rolex production line. As a result, both watches are sought after amongst collectors as well as those looking to buy their first Rolex.

The Rolex Oysterdate, Striking Simplicity

The 19ml bracelet - like the Rolex Oysterdate Precision and the Oyster Precision casings - is solid steel and equipped to withstand the sands of time. Rolex has created a tactile feel with the thin nature of both pieces and the tritium dots on the dials.

This subtle design of the Rolex Oysterdate and the Oyster Precision means that they are popular amongst men and women. Making them two of the few unisex timepieces in the Rolex range. Both watches were designed to be simple, yet hold as much beauty as any watch in the Rolex family.